The Best Tooth Care Habits to Teach Your Children

One of the best ways to ensure that we will have healthy teeth throughout our lives is to establish good eating and tooth care habits as children. To guide behaviors in our little ones, it’s best to stick to routines that are fun and easy to learn. Children generally respond well to repetitive tasks that they can count on doing at regular times of the day. Caring for their teeth is no exception. Here are a few simple habits you can help your children develop.

Eating Well

It’s never too early to start children on a path to good eating habits. By the time babies are introduced to solid foods, a diet based on fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, eggs and whole grains will supply all the nutrition they need. Unsweetened yogurt, cheese, crackers and raw fruits and vegetables all make terrific snacks. There is no need for junk food if children are getting the nutrition they need from healthy foods.

Forget About the Sugar

One of the easiest things you can do to create a strong foundation for overall health is to delay the introduction of sugar into your child’s diet. Children are not necessarily born with a “sweet tooth.” They develop their eating habits from the foods they become used to tasting. There is no need to feed your little ones cake, cookies, candy and sweetened drinks. Even too much fruit juice is not recommended. There may be no way to banish sugar from your child’s environment once he or she gets older, but in the beginning, while you still have control, you can get them started in the right direction by not making it part of a daily routine.

Teeth Brushing

Babies may start cutting their first teeth as early as 5 months old. By the time children are two or three years old, they should have their first complete set of teeth. Toddlers should begin to learn how to brush their teeth by the time they are a year in age. This is a simple routine that should happen in the morning, as part of the waking up process, and before they go to sleep at night.

Regular Teeth Rinsing

Another good habit is for children to become aware when there is food left in their mouth. Sticky foods like raisins and other dried fruits can become stuck between teeth and begin to form cavity producing bacteria. It’s best to get children used to having clean mouths, and to be aware when there is something stuck between their teeth. Drinking plenty water is a good overall health habit, and so is regular rinsing of the teeth and mouth. Train your children to swish some water around in their mouths when they are drinking to remove bits of food between their teeth.

Flossing

By the time children are between the ages of 6 and 7, they are usually coordinated enough to begin brushing their teeth on their own and also flossing. Flossing is a great habit to get children into when they’re young, as it can be tough to train yourself to do it later in life, if it’s never been a part of your routine. There are a number of flossing devices on the market with handles that make it very easy for children to maneuver the floss between their teeth.

General Teeth Awareness

It’s a good idea to teach children early to be careful with their teeth. Of course, there is that early developmental stage when children put every single thing they touch into their mouths. But once they get past that, it’s a good idea to teach children that nothing should go into their mouths except for food and drink. Teeth should not be used as tools. It’s a reminder that will serve them well into their adult years.

As with all habits for kids, the more fun you can bring to the table, the better. If you can turn tooth brushing into a song or a game, great. Try to keep the operation from being too stressful, as that will be counterproductive. Some children learn more quickly than others, so try to be patient. If you have anxieties of your own connected to teeth or to tooth care, try and keep from communicating them to your kids. This can sometimes be easier said than done, so just try and be aware. The more easygoing you can be, the more likely your kids will take to the new routines.

A World Without Teeth

Think of all the amazing things you do with your teeth. If you had no teeth, the world would be a very different place. Let’s take a moment to appreciate all of the wonderful reasons why you should never take your teeth for granted. Ever. Here it is, your life without teeth…

Chewing Food

Just think of all the delicious things you love to eat. Biting into a crispy apple. Digging into a slice of pizza –you know, the very tip of the triangle, that first bite. What about nibbling the top of an ice cream cone once you’ve finished all the ice cream on top? No teeth? You’ll just be gumming that baby until it gets soft enough to dissolve in your mouth. Yuck.

How about the drumstick of a roast chicken? Good luck. Hot dogs? Not so much. Ribs? How would you get the meat off the bones –with your fingers? Ha! Say goodbye meat pies and sausage rolls, ciao to barbecue beef, steamed lobsters and Vegemite on toast. Unless you feel like gumming that, too…

What about your favourite crunchy things? Peanut brittle, granola, macadamia nuts and Violet Crumble. Bye bye salads and sushi and dim sum and fish & chips.

Hello to mashed potatoes. Oatmeal. Applesauce. Chicken broth. Are you getting hungry?

Smiling

You know that first look you exchange with someone? The one where you see that little glint in their eye and you realize it might be love at first sight? And then you both feel your mouths opening into a big smile and –woops…that could be a little awkward, becauseyou have no teeth, remember? Ouch, this life without teeth is going to be a little harder than you thought…

Problems of the Undead

OK, so you’re a vampire. You’re going to have some big problems at feeding time, my friend. There’s not much you can do without a good set of canines when it comes to getting into someone’s neck. And it’s not exactly fashionable, or convenient, to whip out some little box of tools at the big moment. You have to be ready to rock and roll, and teeth, well, they’re just a part of the rock star package.

Your Career as a Movie Star

…is dead in the water if you don’t have teeth. You just need them, that’s all. Who was the last toothless celebrity you saw on the cover of your favourite magazine? Anybody in a movie lately? Right. That sound of crickets you hear right now? That’s the sound of your career.

No Bling for You

You’ve seen the grillz, the tattoos, the jewels. Maybe you even covet one of those gap tooth grins that have been so popular in Japan lately…well you’re not getting any of that, because you have no teeth. You can’t decorate something that doesn’t exist. Sorry.

A Cautionary Tale

You may be wondering what this has to do with you. Well, do you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss them at least once? Do you avoid munching on sweets and crackers between meals? Do you take a little milk in your coffee to cut the acidity and avoid too much fruit juice and vinegar? Do you resist the urge to eat things like candy apples and toffee and other sticky things that might get caught in your teeth? When you do eat food that gets caught in your teeth, do you rinse them out afterward with a little water, and maybe brush one more time for good luck? Do you remember not to fall asleep in bed with a half-eaten peanut butter and jelly sandwich on the pillow next to you? Do you come in for your regular check-ups?

If you answered yes to all or most of these questions, then your teeth are probably safe. In that case, never mind.

Five Home Remedies to Beat Bad Breath

Bad breath is something everyone has to deal with early in the morning. However, a quick brush, floss and rinse, and you are good to go for the rest of the day. On the other hand, some people have bad breath all through the day. There are several reasons possible reasons for bad breath, and most of them are due to dental problems.

Home Remedy # 1 – You are what you eat

This is particularly true in the case of foods like garlic and onion. Both of these food items are notoriously famous for the odour they cause on consumption. Even if you do not consumer fresh garlic or onion, hidden garlic and onion powder used in processed foods and snacks can create the same effect. If you suffer chronic bad breath, take a look at your diet and see if there are some foods that may be contributing to the problem. Cutting down on these may be all you need.

Home Remedy # 2 – Tongue bacteria is another major source of bad breath

Yes, you may be brushing your teeth and using mouthwash, but the tongue can easily harbour more than a million bacteria on its surface. These bacteria use the food you eat as their food as well and produce acid and gases as by-products. Those acid and gases are the reason your mouth feels sour and smells stinky early in the morning. One of the best ways to control this problem is by cleaning your tongue every time you clean your teeth. You can use a special tongue cleaner or, in a pinch, use your toothbrush to clean your tongue.

Home Remedy # 3 – Exploit your kitchen to deodorize your mouth.

Mints are an excellent way to deodorize your mouth, but other herbal ingredients and spices work just as well. An additional benefit is that these spices and herbs contain trace amounts of antibacterial, antiviral and sterilizing compounds that can control oral bacteria and reduce bad breath. Popular oral deodorizers include fresh mint leaves, clove tea, cinnamon tea, cardamom powder and fennel. If you don’t like using natural products, you can also try mouthwashes that contain zinc or essential oils to control bad breath.

Home Remedy # 4 – Control your with meditation, gentle exercise and workouts.

A few studies have shown that stress increases the production of volatile oral compounds in the mouth. There are several options available to you to reduce stress. Increasing the amount of exercise in your daily life could easily improve your overall health, help you lose weight and reduce anxiety as well. Meditation or simply rescheduling part of your day so you have time for yourself are also options.

Home Remedy # 5 – Try to control your bad breath

Chlorophyll is a natural compound that is produced by plants for photosynthesis. However, this compound is thought to prevent bad breath and body odour as well. It can also help with digestion and improve gut bacteria as well. This is good, since gut bacteria may also be contributing to the bad breath. A diet filled with processed food and acidic items causes gut bacteria to produce sulphur-containing compounds that may be responsible for bad breath. You can also try combining the chlorophyll with probiotics to improve your digestive system and reduce your bad breath

However, a word of caution, if your bad breath problem does not resolve with dental care, an improved oral care regimen and home remedies, we recommend you get in touch with a doctor for a complete medical evaluation. The bad breath may be an indication of hidden medical conditions affecting your body and health. A complete medical evaluation will help your doctor diagnose the condition and control the bad breath as well.

The Most Outrageous Teeth Decorations Ever

Teeth decoration is nothing new. It’s been around for centuries, dating back as far as the Mayans…

Check out this green jade inlay from back in the good old Mayan days. Can you imagine how much it must have hurt to drill the holes for these babies? Yikes!

This picture of rap star Nelly shows just how much bling one man’s mouth (or at least the lower half of it) can hold. Interestingly enough, you can see that underneath the flash, he actually has a beautiful set of choppers. It’s too bad he’s covering them up! Some say he’s the one to credit blame for the resurgence in this 80’s trend during the 00’s…

Kanye West made a more permanent decision a few years back when he had all of his lower teeth removed and replaced with diamond and gold versions instead. As he said during his 2010 Vanity Fair interview, “I just like diamond teeth and I didn’t feel like having to take them out all the time,” West said.

Remember Madonna’s recent display of gold grills at this year’s Grammy Awards? Well, the singer’s adopted son David Banda has them now, too! Like mother, like son…

Glamour Magazine UK shows, a number of celebs have jumped on the grill bandwagon…>

Lady Gaga, in this overdone version that is most certainly a comment on the trend in general…

Model Cara Delevingne sports her own personalized set by designer Dolly Cohen.

Pop star Rita Ora brings new meaning to the word “flashy” in this picture…

In the summer of 2013, Katy Perry wore these jewel encrusted versions that spelled out the name of her single, “Roar.”

Rihanna wore this subtler version at the recent MTV Video Music Awards.

Although she has been known to sport flashier versions like this.

Perhaps the most dubious one we’ve seen is this one by Beyonce, that makes her look a bit like a vampire.

It would seem that anyone who has the money and the ego can sport a set of teeth grills. Here’s hoping they also realize that there’s an increased risk of infection and mouth odour from wearing them for too long, especially if they don’t make sure to pay extra attention to their teeth while these foreign objects are living in their mouths. Puts a whole other spin on all that so-called glamour, doesn’t it?

How Does Food Create Cavities, Anyway?

For our whole lives, we’ve been hearing about how we could get cavities from eating too many sweets, from not brushing our teeth well enough, or often enough. But how does it actually work? What is it about food that has the potential to create cavities in our mouths?

What Exactly is a Cavity?

A cavity is a hole in a tooth that develops over time from an infection. The process has a number of steps, and can actually be reversed if it’s caught early enough! That’s why it’s important to understand how it works, and what you can do to prevent the progression of the infection.

How Food Can Pose a Danger to Our Mouths

We all have many different kinds of bacteria living in our mouths. Most of these are relatively harmless, but there are certain kinds of oral bacteria that feed off sugars and starchy foods to create acids that can eat through the surface of our teeth. This harmful bacteria creates a film over the teeth, called dental plaque.

Plaque starts by eating through the tooth’s outer covering, or enamel. If it continues to eat away beyond the enamel, it will begin to bore down into the inner layers of the tooth. This is when we develop cavities. If left unchecked, the infection can reach closer to the root of the tooth, causing a toothache. Eventually, this sort of infection can cause the loss of the tooth. If the infection continues to spread to other parts of the body, it can become very dangerous, even life threatening.

The enemies of dental plaque are saliva and fluoride, which combine to form minerals that protect the teeth against this acid attack. If the plaque is caught early enough, before it gets past the enamel, the effects can be reversible. However, once it spreads deeper into the tooth, more permanent damage can result.

Protect Your Teeth By Eating Well

First of all, it’s important to eat well. This is a practice whose benefits will extend well beyond our dental health into our overall health. Eating a generous amount of fresh fruits and vegetables is essential. Lean meats, fish, eggs and poultry are all important parts of a balanced diet, as they supply much needed protein and amino acids. Vegetarians must make sure to get sufficient protein from other sources such as nuts and legumes.

Dairy is an important source of calcium, an essential building block for strong bones and teeth. Fresh milk, yogurt and cheeses are all good sources of calcium. Dairy free sources of calcium include leafy green vegetables, seafood, legumes and fruits. Regardless of your dietary regimen, there are sufficient ways to obtain the necessary protein and calcium needed to protect your teeth. You just have to do it!

Other Preventive Measures You Can Take

According to the ADA, there are a number of simple measures you can take to prevent cavities. These include the following:

Brushing and flossing regularly: The standard recommendation is to brush twice a day and floss once a day, more often if you eat anything particularly sweet or sticky.

Avoiding sugary and acidic snacks between meals: This is definitely the chief culprit in creating the conditions for dental decay to form. Even so called healthy snacks like muesli or granola bars are sugary and sticky, and will leave cavity causing residue in and between teeth.

Including calcium rich foods such as milk, yogurt and cheese: This helps to neutralize acidity and strengthen teeth.

Drinking fluoridated water: Although there has been some controversy about this in the past, studies have shown that drinking fluoridated water, especially in children, can significantly cut down on the incidence of cavities.

Chewing sugarless gum: This can be a great help, as it stimulates the production of saliva, which protects against cavity formation.

Finally, it’s important to visit your dentist every six months for a regular check-up and cleaning. We can evaluate how well you are doing at taking care of your teeth and whether or not any dental decay is underway in your mouth. If necessary, we’ll be able to counsel you on your dental care habits and offer the proper care if any cavities have developed.

We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment!

Eight Common, But Dumb Ways People Use Their Teeth

Your teeth are strong. They are designed for carnivorous activities such as tearing flesh from bones. But why stop there? Your teeth can be handy in ways you’ve yet to discover, such as using them as a household tool. All joking aside, people do all kinds of crazy, terrible things to their teeth. Fact is, these seemingly innocuous habits can do real damage, including chipping your teeth and causing root damage. Another fact? You’ve probably done at least one of these things on this list. Just remember, if you’re not careful, you may end up seeing us again long before your next scheduled visit. Don’t worry, we’re always happy to schedule last minute appointments for special circumstances.

Forget Kitchen Gadgets – Just Use Your Teeth

1)Don’t bother with a bottle opener. Screw tops are great, but sometimes they are just a little too hard to turn, and you can’t ever remember if it’s clockwise or counterclockwise to open. Who wants to tear up their hands trying to wrestle with them? Need a good grip? Just grab a hold of that baby with your teeth and turn. Counterclockwise. Note from CBD: This is actually a great way to wear the enamel off your teeth or even chip a tooth.

2) Need crushed ice? Your teeth can definitely do the trick. Your jaw can open plenty wide enough to fit in at least two cubes (one on each side) and the crunching, grinding motion you’ve been practicing in your sleep will come in extra handy. Never mind that cold feeling that reaches deep into your jaw. That’s just nature’s way of telling you that your teeth are still alive! Note from CBD: If you like that searing feeling, then keep doing this. The more you wear away your enamel, crunching on those cubes, the more likely it is that you will develop permanent sensitivity to cold.

3) Got a bag of potato crisps that needs opening? This is one of the best ways your teeth can make themselves useful. Don’t open it with your hands and risk the crisps flying all over the place. Just tear into it with your teeth. Pinch the bag with your fingers just below where you bite (for extra traction) and then tear carefully. It’s easy. And don’t worry about how many people with dirty hands have handled the bag in the store. Those extra germs will really help you build your immune system. Note from CBD: Seriously, you don’t know where it’s been. Bags of any kind that have been sitting on store shelves have been touched by many hands that may or may not have been properly washed. Need we say more?

4) Walnuts. This one is great for the holidays. Cracking nuts with your teeth is not only a great party starter, but for Christmas, you can always don the famed Nutcracker costume and entertain the kids. Note from CBD: This is actually a great way to crack a tooth, or a veneer. And the last thing you need is a dental emergency on Christmas Day.

Helpful Teeth Inside the House and Out

5) Bending metal. You know how sometimes you pull nails out of the wall and they get kind of bent? You probably thought you had to throw them out. Well here’s a suggestion that will save you the time and expense of purchasing new nails. Simply bite down hard on either side of the bend, and push down until the nail is straightened. Your kids will really love this one. They’ll think you’re a regular super hero! Note from CBD: Nails are much harder than tooth enamel. This could actually crack a tooth in half and result in damage to the root. We know you’re tough, but this is not the best way to show it.

6) Untying shoelaces. They can be so pesky when they knot up. Especially when they’re really tight, just dig in there with those canines and pull hard until they come loose. Never mind how close your shoes are to the ground. All that dirt that gets kicked up – just like the germs on the crisps, you want to get your body used to the fact that it’s not really safe out there, so the more exposure, the better. Note from CBD: Repeated use of your teeth in this fashion can result in the wearing away of enamel. Eventually this can weaken teeth and increase the risk of tooth sensitivity. And then of course, there is the germ thing.

7) Opening envelopes. Don’t bother with letter openers, they can really be too sharp. Just use your teeth to tear past the adhesive. Paper cuts are always a possibility, so be ready for a little extra fun! Note from CBD: Did we mention paper cuts?

8) Pulling rope. You’ve seen strong men do it on television. It’s a real crowd pleaser. Useful for sailing, gardening, packing to move and towing cars. Don’t be intimidated, you can do it, too! Note from CBD: Seriously, there was an account of a woman who used to hold the ropes of her sailboat’s mast between her teeth. They wore down so far, she needed to cover them all in porcelain veneers. This one could really cost you.

The most important thing to remember is that your teeth can do anything you tell them they can do. You’re in charge. But remember, you’ll be spending much more time visiting your dentist for those emergency repairs. We’ll see you soon!

Is There a Connection Between Poor Dental Health and Depression?

If you’ve ever had chronic dental problems, such as cavities or gum infections, you know that it can affect your mood. Tooth pain can certainly make anyone feel sad or depressed. That’s why we recommend regular check-ups and a daily regime of preventive care.

The connection between depression and poor dental health goes both ways.

Studies have also shown that depression as well as other mental health conditions can actually have a negative impact and be the cause of poor oral health. Adults with depression are less likely to take care of their teeth and avail themselves of oral health care services. Thus, they are more apt to lose their teeth than healthy adults who do not suffer from any mental illness. This conclusion was found to be true across the board, regardless of other factors such as age, sex, race or ethnicity.

In addition, it was shown that the longer period of time that adults suffer from depression or anxiety, the worse the condition of their teeth becomes. This was measured in the number of teeth lost, which increased with the number of years the patients had been suffering from their particular mental illness.

The path from depression to tooth loss is a very predictable one. First of all, feeling sad can be very distracting and can even affect something as seemingly trivial as personal hygiene. People who are depressed may lack the motivation to brush their teeth or floss. They may even stop eating or drinking,causing dehydration, insufficient saliva, dry mouth or even bad breath. Lack of proper sustenance can also interfere with the body’s ability to regulate glucose production, resulting in an onset or increase of diabetic symptoms.

When someone stops brushing their teeth, bacteria can begin to flourish. This of course allows the formation of cavities and gum disease. When left unchecked, these will ultimately lead to the loss of a tooth, when it becomes too infected to survive. As this condition can be painful and debilitating, it can lead to a deepening of depression. It is easy to see how a continuous downward spiral can begin to develop.

Other Important Facts About Depression

Depression is twice as common in women as it is in men. It is typically diagnosed when patients are in their early 30’s, but can come on at any time if a person’s life. Overall symptoms may include sleep disturbances, general lethargy, significant weight or appetite changes, an inability to concentrate or make decisions, decreased ability to find pleasure in life, lessening of physical activity, and/or obsessive thoughts about death

Severe depression can be completely disabling, as it interferes with nearly every facet of a person’s life. Although prolonged episodes may only happen once in a lifetime, some people suffer from recurring, major bouts of depression that can last up to two years or longer. Episodes of severe depression that can suddenly shift into radically different moods can be a characteristic of bipolar disorder, a more serious and difficult to treat condition.

Depression and all of its related conditions often require medication and should be treated by professionals. In addition to a lack of proper self-care, patients with depression are more prone to engaging in other sorts of high risk behaviour that can negatively impact their overall health and safety. Poor attention to dental care is a red flag, and may be a sign that there is a deeper emotional problem that needs to be treated.

Killer Foods We Love

When it comes to food, we all have our guilty pleasures. But if you care about your teeth, there are some foods that tend to kill more quickly than others. Not a quick, violent, murder, but a slow, painful death. The gradual erosion of dentin, the silent progression of dental caries, and sometimes, the sudden chipping and breaking of teeth, that can be the cause of needless pain and expense.

Candy apples

Nature gives us the perfect fruit – the apple. It is crispy, juicy, vitamin filled and sweet. You can bake it, sauce it, and cut it into little shapes for kids. So naturally, someone gets the bright idea to coat it in a hard shell of bright red coloured sugar. Kind of nasty, don’t you think (anyone remember the stories about red dye #4)? Don’t be fooled. There may be an apple buried in there, but this is a pure sugar fest –a hard, crunchy version of sugar that may very well crack a tooth when you first bite into it. If you must indulge, try to pick out the hard bits from between your teeth afterwards, and rinse your mouth with water, so the remnants don’t rest there, eating away at your back teeth while you’ve moved on to a corn dog.

Caramel apples

OK, for the sugar addicted among you, we understand that these types of treats can be pretty delectable. And yes, there is this version that has a less frightening, natural brown colour. However, even minus the red dye, the caramel apple has its own brand of danger related to the chewiness of the shell. Caramel has an uncanny ability to pull out loose fillings. And once they are out, they are not going back in without the help of one of us.

Salt water taffy

Let’s just call this the symbol for any sticky, chewy candy. These types of treats can be tasty, indeed, but you must remember that the combination of sugary stickiness and chewiness is a true hazard to the surface of your teeth. This candy wants in. It is literally grabbing for the soul of your teeth, and not letting go. And if you already have filled cavities, well, those fillings are definitely vulnerable spots. You’ll just have to weigh the benefits against the risks. And don’t forget to remove the remaining bits out of your teeth afterwards by rinsing and/or brushing.

Blue food

Let’s be very clear here. Aside from blueberries, (which aren’t really blue, per se), you can pretty much rule out any food or drink that is “blue” as being not good for you in general, and certainly not good for your teeth. These foods do not occur in nature. Are you familiar with the blue tongue you end up with after sucking on one of those blue ice blocks? Beware of blue food. It will stain your teeth and your mouth, and we’re pretty sure it doesn’t have any nutritional value.

Peanut butter and jelly

Now don’t get excited. We’re not going to tell you that peanut butter and jelly is on the killer food list. However, you do need to be careful about how and when you eat these deceptively dangerous sandwiches. Many parents think that because it is a nut butter, it is a healthy lunch or a bed time snack to serve to their children. And in some senses, it is. However, because of its sticky quality, and the fact that it is often paired with sweetened jellies and jams (pure fruit spread is a slightly better alternative), it can get stuck in teeth and have the same cavity producing effects of the sugary treats described above.

In general, when eating sticky, sweet foods, it is best to rinse your mouth and brush afterwards, particularly at bed time. Any food left sitting on teeth will eventually begin the process of creating cavities.

Dental Care for Senior Citizens

According­­ to a recent review by the Australian Dental Association, the number of adults living past the age of 65 and well into their 80’s is expected to steadily increase for at least the next 35 years. Since many of these older Australians will be expected to retain their natural teeth, the overall picture for their dental health will be more complex than in the past. Since it has been agreed that dental health can have an impact on overall health, it is essential to examine the specifics of how overall health is affected by dental health, as well as what preventive measures can be taken.

How Dental Health Impacts Overall Health

Dental health can impact overall health in seniors in the following ways:

· Poor dental health can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

· Poor dental health can increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia.

· Poor dental health can increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies.

· Poor dental health can increase the risk of stroke.

As these are all conditions that can be extremely risky in the elderly, it is very important to preserve dental health, to help reduce the likelihood that any of these conditions develop.

Factors That Can Negatively Impact Dental Health

As people age, they are more likely to experience increased levels of pain from chronic conditions such as arthritis. Living with chronic pain can be very debilitating, and it can also interfere with one’s ability to manage regular daily tasks related to self-care. Many seniors become more isolated. Without someone to look in on them, they may experience a continued decline in their overall state of health and well-being. Cleaning their teeth may be among the regular self-care tasks that fall out of their daily routine.

Studies have demonstrated that many individuals admitted to residential care facilities have poor oral health and high incidence of oral disease. This is linked to poor oral hygiene and mouth care. As many elderly individuals are retaining more of their teeth, this also increases the likelihood that they will suffer from more dental disease.

Another factor that can negatively influence oral health is the side effects from medications, many of which can cause dry mouth. As we know, salivation is essential to helping keep the mouth clean and bacteria free. Decreased moisture in the mouth can lead to more tooth decay and other infections.

Poor access to dental facilities can also contribute to dental problems in the aging population. As most aging Australians are living independently, they require access to affordable, preventive care. Even though the majority of them hold concession cards and are eligible for public dental care, there are long waits for these services, and that means that dangerous dental conditions will develop in the interim waiting period.

What Needs to Happen?

Better planning is needed, on the part of older adults, their families and others who are caring for them. There needs to be an integrated effort between their dental care providers and their general medical providers. This effort must include workers at residential facilities as well as all of those service providers who work with the aging population. Finally, there needs to be more funding for dental services for older Australians, to help prevent serious diseases and complications from occurring.

For more related information about ageing initiatives in Australia, consult the following links:

Directions for Ageing Well in a Healthy Australia

Prosperity Through Longevity: South Australia’s Ageing Plan

Golden Smiles and Ghoulish Points: Just How Harmful are Dental Fashion Trends?

It’s hard to understand dental bling and jewellery. After all, what ever happened to a good, ol’ fashioned bright smile? However, dental fashion accessories have become popular for some celebrities. And if your favourite celebrity is sporting new grillz, then you can bet hordes of others will soon follow suit. Most of these styles are perfectly harmless and can be adapted to teeth and removed quite easily. Some of these trends, though, can be quite dangerous for patients. We’ll cover some of these trends in detail here, but please be warned that we do not endorse them in any way.

Mouth Grillz

Hip-hop artists first wore these in the early 1980s, and they were mostly removable appliances made for the front teeth in gold and silver. The appliances picked up in popularity in the mid-2000s as hip-hop became more popular and mainstream. No clinical studies have been carried out on the effect of dental grillz, but if the appliance is made properly and worn intermittently, wearers are at low risk for dental problems.

Dental Jewellery

Dental jewellery is specifically made by dental companies to accentuate teeth. The jewellery comprises of stick-on tooth crystals in several different shapes and sizes. Dental companies manufacture special kits, and these jewels can be stuck on to the surface of the tooth with composite restorative material. The jewel remains on the surface of the tooth for anywhere from six months to about two years. However, patients cannot remove the jewel, as it has to be removed by a dentist.

Custom Tattooed Teeth

Dental tattoos are popular in large part because they are relatively simple to make. Tattoos are not created on real teeth but on artificial crowns. For example, if the patient wants crowns or bridges, the custom measurement is taken. The dentist then instructs the lab about the image or tattoo required on the tooth surface, and the laboratory technician creates the images or paints the image on the ceramic crown before the final glazing, finishing and polishing. Any kind of image can be created, and the tattoos do not affect the tooth or the surrounding gum. If the patient does not like the image or tattoo on the crown, they images can be removed quickly with a simple polishing procedure

Gold Caps

Gold caps are not new. In fact, many dentists regularly made gold caps, but the material was phased out when ceramic and tooth-coloured restorations became popular. However, the golden metal has come back into style with rappers and hip-hop artists sporting several versions of the dental restoration.

Vampire Canines

Ever since the vampire craze became mainstream, tons of fans tried emulating those ghoulishly sharp canines. Most dentists advise against this, but it’s not possible to prevent patients from taking matters into their own hands. As a result, patients have used files to sharpen their natural canines to create the classic pointy tooth profile seen in the movies. Patients are strongly advised against this and should speak with a Canada Bay Dental dentist before considering such a procedure.

Midline Spaces and Snaggle Tooth Smiles

Midline spacing is a very common style and several celebrities proudly sport the central spacing. In fact, model and host Tyra Banks (“America’s Top Model”) actually encouraged a model to increase the space between her teeth, as it was a hot trend model agencies were looking for. Apart from the central spacing, even snaggle-toothed smiles have become popular in Japan, where the sharp canine overlaps the lateral tooth, presenting an irregular smile.

Dreams About Teeth: What Do They Mean?

Dreams about teeth, their meaning and symbolism, have been the subject of speculation for thousands of years. As with any dream analysis, the significance of different images can be very subjective, depending on the association held by the person who has had the dream. Interestingly, teeth as a central dream image are among the most common images reported in dreams all over the world, in many different cultures.

The Many Interpretations of Teeth Dreams

Teeth dreams can involve the themes of teeth breaking, rotting, missing or pulling. One of the more popular dreams is of teeth falling out. This has been interpreted to symbolize everything from regret over the words that escape our mouths to a fear of failure. In some cultures, this dream can signify the death of a loved one,and has even corresponded to premonitions. Other times, it has been associated with the ending of an important relationship.

Dreams about pulling teeth can be interpreted as anything from an indication that something needs to come out of one’s life to a feeling of pulling yourself too hard in some situation or life event. If someone else is pulling at your teeth, it could mean they are trying to get something from you. Sometimes people experience teeth pulling dreams when they have a toothache and are nervous about visiting the dentist.

Teeth Dreams as Reflections of Ourselves

Probably the most common dream that people experience at least once in their lifetimes is one that involves our teeth rotting. It is said that this dream is connected to our fears and anxieties, and also our concerns about how other people may perceive us. Broken or chipped teeth may indicate a sense that something is broken within us, or that an aspect of our life needs fixing.

According to Jungian psychotherapist Richard Nicoletti, dreams about teeth falling out may be connected to a feeling that our survival is being threatened. Recurring dreams about teeth falling out may be connected to a general sense that your life is out of control, or that there are multiple worries affecting your ability to feel safe. If you dream about someone else’s teeth falling out, it may indicate an over-exaggerated fear of that person in waking life.

On the other hand, dreams about shiny, straight teeth may indicate feelings of confidence and self-assurance, or peace and contentment about a specific situation. Dreaming about a person or a pet with beautiful teeth may express the sense that the relationship with that individual is a source of joy and brings about a feeling of confidence.

Of course, dreams about teeth may not be symbolic at all. If you are having actual problems with your teeth, or feeling concerned about them, you may very well be dreaming about them at night. If you are having troubling or painful symptoms, or are preparing for oral surgery, you may very well be experiencing pain at night that is keeping you from sleeping soundly and bringing you disturbing dreams, too.

The field of dream interpretation is a very subjective one. Although there are many theories about dreams and different methods of analysing and interpreting them, they are most often a coded method of revealing hidden aspects of the unconscious. By charting their progress and taking note of images and situations that recur on a regular basis, we can learn more about ourselves, our fears and desires.

Perhaps because our teeth are such a vulnerable part of our bodies, so easily damaged or broken, they are a natural choice for our unconscious minds to focus on as metaphors for our deepest fears and anxieties. Whatever you believe, if you are dreaming about teeth, you are most likely preoccupied with something personal that impacts you on a deep emotional level.

Either that, or you are overdue for your next dental exam…

Orthodontics Alert: Does My Child Need Braces?

Parents want to take care of their children in every way possible, and minding their dental health is no exception. In addition to teaching them to brush their teeth and eat well to avoid cavities, it’s important to pay attention to the way their teeth are growing.

Signs Your Child Might Need Braces

Difficulty in eating, biting or chewing – If your child is a picky eater, it may not be due to the food. Perhaps she is experiencing a problem due to teeth that are not fitting together properly as she bites down. Your dentist can help you discover if this is the case.

Unusual timing in the loss of baby teeth – Baby teeth typically fall out between the ages of 6 and 12 or 13. If your child loses teeth much earlier or much later than this, or you notice any other troubling signs around the process of losing teeth, then contact your dentist for more information.

Mouth breathing – Sometimes poor teeth alignment can prevent a child from closing his mouth properly. This will cause him to breathe through his mouth instead of his nose, especially at night. If you see that your child is always breathing through his mouth, it might be a sign that braces are necessary to correct the problem.

Poorly positioned teeth – Do your child’s teeth appear crowded or misplaced? Are some of them hidden behind other teeth? If your child’s teeth don’t look neatly lined up in a row, then braces can help realign them. Do they have trouble meeting properly, or not meet at all? This is a problem that can be solved by straightening his teeth with braces.

Mouth or cheek biting – Is your child biting the roof of her mouth or the inside of her cheek? This is is a sign that her teeth are not properly aligned, and she could benefit from having them straightened with braces.

Does your child’s jaw make a clicking sound or shift suddenly? If he can’t open and close it smoothly, this may be a sign of misaligned teeth. Does he complain of chronic pain in his jaw or his head? This may also be part of a tooth problem that can be corrected through the use of braces. Your dentist can tell you if your child would benefit from this sort of treatment, or if this is part of a larger problem.

Is your child’s jaw or are her teeth out of proportion to the rest of her face? Does her jaw protrude or is it recessed in a way that interferes with her overall appearance? These may be conditions that can be well addressed with braces and other orthodontic procedures.

When to Get Braces

Your orthodontist can let you know the best time for your child to be fitted for braces. However, it’s typical to begin this sort of treatment between the ages of 9 and 14, when at least some permanent teeth are already in, and are still growing.

Before treatment with braces can begin, it’s essential to make sure that any other dental problems, such as decayed or broken teeth, missing teeth or gum disease are under control. The better overall health your child’s teeth are in before he or she gets braces, the better outcome you can expect.

How to Get a Celebrity Smile

Look at the lovely Hollywood stars Miley Cyrus, Cheryl Cole, Tulisa and Katie Price. Apart from them being beautiful, do you see anything in common in them all? Yes, they are lovely young women with lustrous locks and lovely smiles with pearly white teeth. Ah, now you get it. Their teeth. No one has so perfect, white, picket fence-like teeth unless they have some dental work done. Most Hollywood stars have had cosmetic dental treatment done for their teeth, and if you look at before and after photos, you will immediately notice the difference.

So What Do You Do to Get the Same Exciting Smile?

The good news is that cosmetic dentistry is now available to anyone who wants to improve his or her smile. Almost every dentist is partially a cosmetic dentist, as they are trained to create beautiful fillings invisible to the naked eye. However, cosmetic dentists have additional training, backed by a degree, diploma or a certificate, that helps them create a visual masterpiece in your teeth. If you want to get the same type of smile as seen in these Hollywood celebrities, there are a few things you should know:

Choosing a Dentist

Cosmetic dentists are trained in several niche areas to create the perfect smile. However, this is not as simple as it seems. Everyone has a unique facial structure, and although a training institute will teach the basic principles of smile design, it is up to a talented dentist to actually create the perfect smile for each face. As a result, you have to find a good dentist who has an actual knack for cosmetic dentistry and the eye to create the perfect smile. You can start by checking with the Australian Dental Association to find a dentist. Shortlist two or three different dentists and visit each of them to discuss your case. We also recommend you look at before/after photos to evaluate the dentist’s handiwork. Most dentists are proud of good cosmetic work, and they will happily provide before/after photos and testimonials to help you make a decision. If you are in the Breakfast Point area, you can always get in touch with Canada Bay Dental for an expert opinion.

Deciding on a Type of Treatment

Once you have selected the dentist, he will evaluate your dentition and then recommend a dental procedureto improve your smile. Most dentists will suggest a combination of dental procedures like dental laminates, veneers, inlays and onlays, composite bonding, teeth whitening, implants, full ceramic crowns, gingival remodeling, full mouth reconstruction, etc. The dentist will also take before and after photos to show you the extent of the treatment and to show how it has affected your smile.

Although dentists can do wonderful things with your teeth, it is essential for you to keep reasonable expectations about the procedures. Before the procedures start, make sure you discuss your expectations with the dentist. If you have underlying medical conditions, make sure you disclose them to the dentist. Remember that dentists can do a wonderful job, but only within the framework of your face and existing smile. Many dentists have modeling software that can show exactly how your final smile and dental arrangement will look like.

No matter what procedure is done, the dentist will discuss the procedure and the result with you. There is no reason why your smile will not look anything less than a million bucks after the procedures are complete.

Lower Your Chance of Gum Disease

Gum disease is surprisingly common. The reason for this is simple: Our mouths are a haven for bacteria, and at any given time, we have more than 3 million bacteria teeming around in our oral cavity. Ordinarily, they are happy to live on the food we eat. However, they do create their own byproducts that accumulate in our mouth and can cause disease. To understand how this happens, we have to explain this in a little detail.

How Do Oral Bacteria Contribute to Gum Disease?

The amount of bacteria in your mouth may go up or down, but it generally has its own ecosystem and lives harmoniously in the oral cavity. We provide them with food and air, and bacteria happily reproduce and live in the relative safety of the mouth. Bacteria also use the food and air we provide to form a coating called plaque that covers the tooth surfaces. This plaque works as a house or substrate on which the delicate microorganisms can replicate and survive. Technically speaking, this is the reason that we have bad breath and clingy white stuff in our mouths in the morning.

This foul odour is bacterial byproduct and the white stuff is nothing but clumps of bacteria mixed in with fomenting food products and acid. In an ideal situation, a patient with perfect oral hygiene removes all this – plaque, bacteria and white sticky stuff – every day when they brush and floss. However, not all of us have perfect oral hygiene, and bacteria, plaque and white debris are left over in the mouth. This byproduct is irritating to the soft gingival tissue. It gets red and irritated, resulting in a condition called gingivitis. Almost everyone has mild gingivitis, as it’s impossible to keep the mouth completely free of oral bacteria and bacteria byproducts.

Progression to Periodontitis

Patients with poor oral hygiene let plaque accumulate in their mouth due to poor brushing and flossing techniques. Eventually, plaque solidifies to form large deposits called calculus that are even more irritating to gum tissues. These deposits accumulate in an around teeth and actually push the gums away from the teeth, loosening their support. Although there are many steps along the way with many symptoms like foul odour, food impaction, gingival bleeding, etc. the result is that poor oral hygiene can cause teeth to become loose and mobile.

So How Do You Prevent This?

At any given time, 5-20 percent of the general population suffers from severe generalized periodontitis. However, many more patients do have mild to moderate periodontitis and they have not yet realized this. The exact breakdown of affected patients will also vary from country to country. For example, in theAmerican populace, more that 47 percent of people over the age of 30 have mild periodontitis, while adults aged 65 years and older had a higher incidence of 70 percent periodontitis. Risk factors that increase your chances for developing periodontitis include smoking, crooked teeth, hormonal changes in women, immune-deficiencies, genetic predisposition, stress, diabetes and systemic diseases. The good news is that almost all gum disease is preventable. Patients that follow good oral hygiene measures are less likely to develop this condition. Along with oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups are mandatory. In fact, if you are over the age of 30, have one or more family members suffering from periodontitis and have diabetes; you should schedule dental check-ups every month.

The Impact of Puberty on Dental Health

Puberty is a complex time that brings with it many changes to adolescent boys and girls. In boys, pubertytypically begins between the ages of 11-12, while girls usually start at around 10-11. Overall, it can take 5-6 years to complete puberty, during which time children’s reproductive organs come to sexual maturity. Hormone levels increase, bodies and voices change, sexual feelings begin to intrude, and with them, an overall increased self-consciousness about appearance and self-image. Dental health can also be affected.

Hormone Changes in Puberty

Girls in particular can experience an increase of certain types of dental issues as the hormone balance of their bodies begins to shift. The onset of menstruation brings with it an increase of certain types of hormones that can encourage the growth of certain bacteria. Many girls and some boys in puberty will experience symptoms of gingival bleeding and gum sensitivity.

In fact, many women continue to experience what is termed menstruation gingivitis just before their menstrual periods begin. Symptoms can include red, swollen and tender gums, with or without bleeding, as well as mouth sores. Usually the symptoms disappear once their period begins, but improper oral care can certainly worsen these symptoms.

Risk of More Serious Dental Conditions

Gingivitis, if left unchecked, can progress into a more serious gum infection called periodontitis, or periodontal disease. In periodontal disease, the infection goes deep into the tooth, the gums and the bones surrounding the teeth. Again, it can be diagnosed and treated effectively if caught early, but it’s important to make sure that symptoms are not ignored.

Orthodontic Concerns in Puberty

As children develop and their adult teeth begin to grow in, they can experience changes in the shape of their bite and the appearance of the mouth. By the time they begin puberty, most of their adult teeth have already come in, at least the ones in the front of their mouth that are visible to other people. If it has been determined that their teeth have not come in properly, or there is some problem with the shape of the child’s bite, then this is the time that orthodontic treatment would typically begin.

One of the chief concerns for a child with braces is the need to brush very carefully. With the additional attachments to the teeth, there are many more little places for bits of food to lodge and dental caries to develop. Brushing can be especially difficult and take longer than many adolescents will be inclined to spend on the task. However, it is important to be extra vigilant during this time, so it’s important to make regular appointments every five to six months for professional cleanings and check-ups.

Managing the Overall Impact of Puberty on Dental Health

Perhaps most difficult to quantify is the emotional impact of puberty on the behaviour of adolescents. Many kids become very self-conscious of themselves during this dynamic period of change. They may be experiencing increased peer pressure to be “cool”and engage in behaviours that may not be in their best interest, such as sexual activity, drugs or sex. All of these factors can have a negative impact on a child’s focus on good dental care.

However, there is an opportunity here to make a positive impact on your child’s self-image by reinforcing healthy practices of good self-care. Along with the concern about acne and changing bodies, good oral care contains a great set of practices that can contribute to positive self-esteem and overall good health.

Brushing and flossing regularly will not only prevent the development of cavities and gum disease, but it will help to maintain good breath and a pleasant appearance. Eating well will also help to prevent dental caries, even as it contributes to overall good energy and health. The maintenance of daily oral care routines also provides a framework for personal discipline and pride. At a time when so much about a young person’s life seems to be in flux, it is great for them to have a set of practices that give them a measure of control over certain very specific aspects of their health and their bodies.

What to Do About Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity, also known as dentine hypersensitivity, typically occurs in a minority of the population. However, those who chronically suffer from it can attest to the extreme discomfort and inconvenience of the condition.

What Triggers Tooth Sensitivity?

The most common trigger for tooth sensitivity is cold. You’ve probably had, at one time or another, the experience of biting down on a frozen treat or drinking an iced beverage on a hot day, and feeling a shooting pain radiate from a tooth deep into your jaw. If so, then you you’re familiar with dentine hypersensitivity.

Although cold food and drinks are the most common culprits, people can also experience tooth sensitivity from eating hot food or drinking hot beverages, breathing in cold air, or eating sugary foods. Have you ever bitten down by mistake on some aluminium foil that was stuck to a piece of food? Ouch! There is nothing quite like the feeling of tooth pain.

What Are the Causes of Tooth Sensitivity?

Dentine hypersensitivity usually occurs in people from the ages of 20 and 50. It can be caused by a number of factors, including receding gums, gum disease, brushing your teeth too vigorously, and grinding your teeth. Some people experience this as a chronic condition, while others only suffer from an occasional twinge of pain or discomfort.

Anything that wears away tooth enamel can result in tooth sensitivity. This includes brushing your teeth too hard, or ingesting too many acidic foods or drinks. Grinding or clenching the teeth can also erode enamel over time. Receding gums can also cause more of the vulnerable surface of the teeth to be exposed, below the level of the enamel. This condition can be a result of periodontal (gum) disease such as gingivitis.

Preventing and Treating Tooth Sensitivity

As always, prevention is the best medicine. When it comes to preventing dentine hypersensitivity, your best bet is to get into good habits of oral hygiene, as young as possible. Regular brushing and flossing will help to protect the tooth enamel and gums.

It’s important not to use a toothbrush with super hard bristles. Using a toothbrush that is too hard, or merely brushing too vigorously, can actually hurt your teeth more than help them, as either will, over time, wear away your enamel. Brushing firmly but gently, with a soft bristle toothbrush is now the standard recommendation of most dentists.

Acidic foods and drinks such as fruit juices and anything that contains vinegar, as well as sugary soft drinks, can also contribute to a wearing-away of tooth enamel. Consume these products in moderation, and get into a practice of rinsing with water afterwards.

Try to avoid grinding or habitually clenching the teeth. Besides wearing away the enamel, it can also create jaw pain and tension headaches. If this is a problem for you, your dentist may recommend a night time mouthguard to wear while you are sleeping.

Use fluoridated toothpaste and mouth rinse, to help make enamel strong and more resistant to wear and tear. Some people even like to use a sensitivity toothpaste, such as the popular brand Sensodyne, to help relieve the uncomfortable sensations of this condition.

Finally, always remember to visit your dentist for a regular check-up and professional cleaning. This will help to address any problems in the making and give you good preventive advice.

Yaeba: The Gap Tooth Procedure, Like the Trend, is Only Temporary

Having that perfect, pearly white smile is something everyone wants. In fact, Australians spent more than $7.8 billion on dental care expenses from 2010-11, a 2.2 per cent increase compared to 2009-2010. Of course, it helps that most patients are aware of the different treatment procedures available to make their smiles look better. However, trends also play an important factor in public opinion. If celebrities have cosmetic dental procedures to straighten and whiten their teeth, it makes sense that thousands of fans will also try the procedures to get the same results.

But What If the Trend Switches the Other Way?

In recent years, several dental trends emerged based on popular TV series and movies. The hit movie “Twilight” resulted in a hordes of fans asking their dentists for sharp canines to mimic the vampires in the movie. Most of these trends come and go, but a few of them have stuck around and become quite popular. The most recent dental trend originates from Japan: the gap-toothed smile.

The Japanese Trend of Yaeba

Having crowded teeth was the main reason people opted for orthodontic treatment as the teeth were straightened to create a beautiful, even smile. However, this same overlapped or double-tooth smile is now very popular in Japan. Apparently, Japanese men find this dental overlapping attractive and Japanese celebrities display this “snaggle-toothed” smile quite prominently.

The Japanese word “yaeba” means double teeth, and it usually indicates prominent central incisors, retracted lateral incisors and prominent canines. The look is not new, as some Hollywood celebrities have the same smile. Stars like Ashley Smith, Jessica Hart, Abbey Lee Kershaw, Lauren Hutton, Vanessa Paradis, Lara Stone and Lily Aldridge all have almost similar smiles along with central spacing in their teeth but this is not intentional, as they’ve not yet opted for treatment to straighten their smiles.

In fact, in an episode of “America’s Top Model,” the host Tyra Banks actually encouraged a contestant to have the existing gap in her teeth increased. This was in direct contradiction to what she told another contestant with the same smile a year previously. During that time, the trend was not popular, but now the gap-toothed smile is “in,” and having the smile on a model could net her big deals. The trend has also percolated down to customers, as Japanese patients now pay their orthodontists to develop the snaggle-toothed smile. Using orthodontia to move teeth could take a long time to create the overlapping result. To speed up the process, most dentists in the country provide veneers that are stuck to the surface of the canines with non-permanent glue to create the irregular smile.

Times Have Changed

It wasn’t that long ago, though, that actors and models were asked to cover up their gaps. Australian model Jessica Hart told the Wall Street Journal that she used to wear a prosthetic insert to cover up the gap in her teeth. These days? She gets work because of the gap, not in spite of it. It’s part of her “look.” “If (clients) don’t like my gap, I don’t want to work for them,” she told the Wall Street Journal.

While this latest trend isn’t thought to have much staying power, it’s an interesting take on health and beauty in general. While celebrities are often noted for their beauty, this trend celebrates your imperfection. Some women feel it gives them a more youthful appearance, while Japanese men say they feel they are more approachable. So, will this cause permanent damage? Thus far, no known harm is caused by the procedure. And, much like the trend itself, the procedure is temporary.

Like Parent like Child: Good Oral Health Starts At Home

Children are a reflection of their parents. During the first three years of life, they rely on parents to provide everything for them, and parents play a significant role in providing emotional and physical support. In the end, parents are role models – and it’s no wonder then that children pick up habits from parents. However, this also means that parents have to sit back and evaluate their own personal habits regarding dental hygiene.

Cavities Are Increasing In Children

Not many parents realize the significance of good dental hygiene. Yes, they teach their children good brushing habits and oral hygiene procedures, but that’s not enough. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, these few facts should prove to be a significant revelation.

#1 – More than 48.7% of children in the 5-6 years age groups had a history of baby teeth decay.

#2 – More than 45.1% of children in the 12 years and upper age group had a history of permanent teeth decay.

#3 – Nearly 25% of children in both age groups had untreated cavities that could progress to serious dental problems and tooth loss.

What Can You Do As a Parent To Encourage Good Dental Habits in Your Children?

With so many things to deal with, parents may not realize the different factors that can influence their child’s teeth. Take a look at what can be done to improve your child’s oral hygiene and dental health.

·Start As Soon As Possible:Beginning an effective oral hygiene routine as soon as possible is essential for both parents and their children. Ideally, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) recommends prenatal dental education for the mother. The baby’s teeth start developing in the first three months of pregnancy, and dental health education is necessary to ensure that the mother does not take medication that will damage the developing teeth. A comprehensive dental evaluation during every trimester is also necessary for the pregnant mother to rule out gingivitis, loose teeth, and gum problems. This is necessary, as maternal gum problems have been linked to preterm labour.

· Brushing Procedures:New teeth start coming by three to nine months, and a home visit by an experienced dental nurse is necessary to evaluate the new teeth. At this time, parents have to learn good oral hygiene measures to maintain baby teeth. The most common oral hygiene measures include wiping the gums and teeth with a wet clean facecloth. As the infant grows and can handle a toothbrush, the parent can hold the child’s hand and toothbrush and mimic typical brushing procedures. Brushing together every day is also a good idea as children smaller than 8 years of age require supervision to ensure they are doing a good job.

· Diet Control: It is not possible to control everything that your child eats 24/7 but you can do a few important things avoiding sweet, sugary items and carbohydrates,and increasing the amount of dietary fresh fruits, vegetables and fibre.

·Dental Accessories To Encourage Brushing: Children are children and sometimes, they resist good habits just because. As a result, parents have to ensure compliancewithout being aggressive or too dominant. One way to encourage good brushing techniques is by using accessories like:

o Brushing timers with timed music tracks that last for 2-4 minutes are great to encourage brushing. This is an ideal brushing duration and listening to music can encourage toddlers, children and teenagers to brush well.

o Mirrors are also good way to ensure that your child follows the correct brushing technique by watching how they brush.

o Disclosing tablets are a great aid as well. It is not a good idea to use disclosing tablets regularly but they are fine for once a week use. Just dissolve the tablet in water and ask your child to rinse. The solution stains all leftover protein in the mouth red. This will encourage your child to brush better and longer to remove the stains.

o Electric brushes are a great aid as well and fun, funky models with timers are available for teenagers and children. The in-built timer stops after 3 minutes. This means that the child has to brush for the minimal time.

It is your responsibility as parents to make sure that your child has good oral habits, and this is only possible by careful supervision and your dentist’s help. Take your child to the dentist every six months for preventive care. If your child already has cavities, take them every month to ensure that no new problems have cropped up.

Remember, you may explain oral hygiene to your child and he or she may also have learned about good oral hygiene in school but children learn by watching. If you follow all these steps mentioned above and practice them with your child, your child will definitely have good oral hygiene habits and good teeth.

Diabetes and Oral Health: Dealing With Dental Problems

Diabetic statistics are staggering. According to theDiabetes Australia, more than 1.7million Australians have diabetes, but just about one-third of these patients are diagnosed with the condition. At least, 2 to 3 million Australians have pre-diabetes and uncontrolled diabetes that is actively but silently destroying every part of their body.

Diabetes: The Silent Killer

Diabetes is caused by a deficiency of the human hormone insulin. In simple terms, insulin is responsible for ferrying blood sugar into body cells. Inside the body cells, the sugar is broken down to generate energy to run the body. However, due to many reasons like obesity, lifestyle changes, etc, the patient’s pancreas cannot make enough insulin, and this means that sugar remains in blood. As the sugar-saturated blood circulates all over the body, the extra sugar (which should have been used as body fuel) irritates every tissue and organ causing extensive damage and irreparable injury.

Diabetes and Oral Health Complications

Diabetes affects every body part, but it can cause serious complications in the oral cavity. One of the major reasons for this is that the oral cavity is filled with millions of opportunistic bacteria. Ordinarily, healthy gum tissue and teeth maintain a balance with the bacteria and most patients do not experience any dental problems at all. However, in diabetes, the oral tissues are saturated with sugar-filled blood. The poorly controlled sugar levels damages the gum tissue and increases the chances of developing a range of oral health problems. The most common oral health problems associated with diabetes are as follows:

Tooth Decay and Foul Oral Odour

High glucose levels in saliva act as a nutrient or food for oral bacteria. Diabetic patients will have cavities that occur rapidly and with increasing frequency. Some patients may also experience foul oral breath due to the salivary glucose levels.

Gum Problems

Diabetes reduces the strength of the body’s immune system. At the same time, it damages oral tissue and makes it prone to infection. Oral bacteria attack and destroy gum and gingival tissue making it prone to infections and bleeding. The problems starts as simple gingival bleeding and slowly progresses to a widespread periodontal infection involving bone loss, tooth mobility, soft swollen gums that bleed at the slightest touch and eventually, tooth loss.

Salivary Gland Damage

Diabetes damages the salivary glands and patient will experience low saliva production and dry mouth. Salivary gland stones, and salivary gland enlargement is also very common in diabetic patients. Diabetics often experience taste deficiencies as well, but the actual mechanism of action is unknown.Conditions like Glossodynia or painful tongue, Burning Mouth syndrome due to low saliva production and damaged oral membranes, lichen planus (an oral condition), lichenoid reactions, etc. are also symptoms of diabetes.

Frequent Infections

The high sugar levels in blood, saliva and oral tissues acts as an incubator for bacteria. With such a rich food source, bacterial infections are common and patients frequently experience oral infections like thrush, bacterial infections, etc.

Delayed Healing

Diabetic patients usually experience delayed healing due to poor blood circulation. Damage to the oral tissues during treatment or during normal oral activities can result in a fissured tongues, irritation fibromas or swellings and traumatic ulcers that just do not heal at all. Most of these conditions can be controlled with simple topical medications, oral mouthwashes, antibiotics or antifungal. However, intensive dental treatment may be necessary for conditions like cavities, fractured teeth and trauma.

Dealing with Dental Side Effects of Diabetes

If you have been recently diagnosed with diabetes, it is a good idea to consult both your dentist and physician before starting dental treatment. Most dentists are trained to deal with diabetic patients, and they will make the process as stress-free, short and comfortable as possible. They may also schedule morning appointments as blood glucose levels are usually under better control in the morning. The dentist will also recommend you eat well and take your morning dose of anti-diabetic medication or insulin before you come for treatment

The best way to prevent all these oral health complications is to get your diabetes under control. Ideally, everyone over the age of 30 should do a fasting blood sugar, triglycerides and cholesterol test once a year. After the age of 35, a biannual blood test is recommended, and as age advances, blood tests should be done with increasing frequency to catch diabetes and concomitant conditions early. This is particularly important in Indigenous Australians, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Indian and Black Caribbean ethnic groups due to a higher prevalence of diabetes.

The bad news is that diabetes has no permanent cure and prevention is the option, but the good news is that early diabetes is very easy to control with lifestyle changes, increased exercise and dietary control.

Caring For Your Child’s Teeth: Get Dental Sealants Done Immediately

Caring for your child is something you do every day. You teach them how to dress, how to talk, how to eat and how to maintain oral hygiene. However, no matter how well you teach your child, you cannot stop them from snacking. You might have taught your child to brush after eating, but children eat all through the day – and they are not going to brush their teeth if you are not around to enforce that rule.

What Do You Do?

Dental sealants could be the answer to the problem. You cannot stop your child from snacking, but you can provide your child with every preventive treatment possible to protect his or her teeth. Dental sealants act like a protective film on top of the tooth. The sealant prevents food particles from sticking to the tooth surface and delays or retards cavity formation.

How Do Sealants Work?

Teeth have natural pits and fissures on the surface that are formed during tooth development. When the tooth erupts into the oral cavity, the pits and fissures are quite deep and very prominent. However, as the child ages, these pits and fissures wear down and smooth out. In children, these developmental pits and fissures tend to catch food particles quickly and, in fact, food gets impacted deep into these fissures.

Generally, if the child brushes immediately after eating food, the fissures are cleaned out, but if the child does not brush well, the food remains behind in the defect. Oral bacteria immediately starts to use the food and salivary protein to reproduce. This ultimately results in cavities that can be completely damage the tooth.Dental sealants act as a plastic film that covers the tooth surface and blocks the pits and fissures.

Applying the Sealants

Sealants can be made in 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the number of teeth to be covered. The process starts with a simple dental cleaning and polishing. After the cleaning, the dentist will slightly roughen the tooth surface with a special liquid and then apply the dental sealant. As there are several different types of sealants, the actual hardening process may vary slightly. Some sealants will harden by themselves while others may require a curing light to harden and set in place.

The process is quick and simple and absolutely painless. The sealants are also geared to stay in place under biting and chewing pressure and can easily last for several years. Recent research has shown that both adults and children can benefit from a sealant application and in case the sealant comes off; it can be replaced quickly.

What Is The Ideal Age For Getting Dental Sealants?

The best age for getting dental sealants is after age 4. However, if your child is prone to cavities, it would be a good idea to take your child to the dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation and a professional opinion. To prevent cavities, some dentists may also recommend combining dental sealants with a topical fluoride application.

Are Sealants Safe?

Sealants can be considered as a thin plastic film that hermetically coats the tooth surface and prevent cavity formation. They are technically quite safe but in the last few years, researchers have bought up several concerns. One of the biggest sticking points against sealants has been the BPA content in the dental material. According to researchers, BPA created a serious concern when it was detected in baby milk bottles as it was a direct cousin of the more dangerous bisphenol-A dimethacrylate (BPA-DMA). However, after extensive investigation, the U.S.-based Food and Drug Administration has deemed both materials safe. Irrespective of this, most manufacturers have started making dental sealants that are BPA-free. Most dentists have also started using BPA-free sealants, and,rest assured, your dentist will use the best materials available.